The trade conflict between China and the United States is intensifying even before future US President Donald Trump takes office and threatens tariffs. The export of various metals will be banned immediately, the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing announced on Tuesday.
“The export of gallium, germanium, antimony and super-hard materials to the United States is strictly prohibited,” the Chinese ministry said.
Chips, fiber optic, solar panels
Gallium and germanium, for example, are found in microchips, fiber optic cables and solar panels. According to the Association of German Engineers (VDI), China dominates the market for both metals, with a global market share of 90 percent for gallium and about 80 percent for germanium.
Only on Monday did the US government tighten the embargo on technology exports to China again, targeting suppliers to the chip industry.
Trade disputes between the world’s two largest economies are already growing before Trump takes office on January 20. He had further intensified his tariff threats against China after his election victory in November.
Rather, the gait became tighter
The Chinese government had already restricted the export of important minerals last year. However, through October, there were no Chinese deliveries of crude germanium or gallium to the US this year. This is despite the fact that the United States was the fourth and fifth largest markets for these minerals, according to Chinese customs data.
Chinese exports of antimony products fell by 97 percent in October compared to September, after measures to restrict exports came into effect. Last year, the People’s Republic was responsible for 48 percent of the world’s antimony, which is used in munitions, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night vision goggles, as well as batteries and photovoltaic systems.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
